Apple will start letting developers make apps for its upcoming ‘Vision Pro’ headset. The company has released its software development kit, or SDK, for VisionOS, the operating system that will run on the hardware. Apple announced its new headset at its Worldwide Developers Conference, earlier this month. It said then that the hardware would be available “early next year”, but that developers would be able to start creating experiences for it before then. Now it has released the first part of that work, in the form of that SDK. It gives developers the tools they need to start creating what Apple calls “spatial experiences” for the headset. Apple hopes developers will be able to “utilise the powerful and unique capabilities of Vision Pro and visionOS to design brand-new app experiences across a variety of categories including productivity, design, gaming, and more”. Next month, Apple will start holding labs in a range of cities – Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo – where developers will be able to submit their apps and actually test them on Vision Pro hardware. Apple engineers will also be on hand to ensure that the apps work on the new platform, Apple said. Development teams will also be able to apply for developer kits that will allow them to test their apps in their own facilities. Apple gave no information on what sort of form those kits would take – how similar they will be to the hardware that will eventually be released, for instance, and what restrictions they will have – or which and how many developers would get through that application process. Apple’s Vision Pro software is built on the foundational technology from other Apple platforms such as iOS and MacOS, and developers are able to use the same tools and frameworks to build apps for the new hardware. But as a “spatial computer”, the Vision Pro also requires entirely new ways of using apps, and so developers will likely need to test their apps on the platform to ensure they actually work as apps within the headset. “Apple Vision Pro redefines what’s possible on a computing platform. Developers can get started building visionOS apps using the powerful frameworks they already know, and take their development even further with new innovative tools and technologies like Reality Composer Pro, to design all-new experiences for their users,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of worldwide developer relations. “By taking advantage of the space around the user, spatial computing unlocks new opportunities for our developers, and enables them to imagine new ways to help their users connect, be productive, and enjoy new types of entertainment. We can’t wait to see what our developer community dreams up.” Apple released the SDK, as well as new versions of its development tools, on its developer website. It is also publishing a range of tools aimed at developers, including new guidelines for how those Vision Pro apps should actually look and work. Read More The Apple Watch is getting some major changes this year – here’s why Apple seeks trademark of ‘actual apple’, Swiss fruit association says The new iPhone could have a major clue about Apple’s headset

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Kenya has suspended a controversial cryptocurrency launched by the creator of ChatGPT over concerns for public safety. Worldcoin, founded by OpenAI boss Sam Altman, requires users to scan their eyeballs in order to receive a free share of the crypto token WLD More than 350,000 people have already signed up in Kenya, according to local reports, representing a significant portion of the roughly 2 million users worldwide. Interior minister Kithure Kindiki said investigations were underway into how Worldcoin intends to use people’s data. “Relevant security, financial services and data protection agencies have commenced inquiries and investigations to establish the authenticity and legality of the aforesaid activities,” Mr Kindiki said. Worldcoin claims that biometric data obtained during the signup process is only used to verify a person’s “unique personhood” and is not linked to any individual’s identity. “Worldcoin remains committed to providing an inclusive, privacy-preserving, decentralised on-ramp to the global digital economy and looks forward to resuming its services in Kenya while working closely with local regulators and other stakeholders,” the company said in a statement. Iris-scanning orbs are currently operating in 35 cities across 20 countries, according to Worldcoin, including in London, Paris and New York. Before Kenya announced the suspension, large crowds that formed in Nairobi at Worldcoin signup stations had been termed a “security risk”. Those who signed up received a share worth roughly $50 (£40), with Worldcoin claiming the project could eventually lead to a universal basic income. The WLD crypto token saw its price surge more than 50 per cent shortly after its launch last week, bucking broader market trends that have seen bitcoin and other leading cryptocurrencies dip in price during the same period. Cryptocurrency experts have described the project as both “outlandish” and “revolutionary” for its unique way to differentiate humans from AI bots, however digital rights lawyers warn that it poses a major challenge for regulators. “The launch of Worldcoin is a serious concern for data-protection and crypto regulatory bodies, and demonstrates the urgent need for cross sector and cross border regulation,”Richard Cannon, Partner at Stokoe Partnership Solicitors, told The Independent. “Worldcoin claims that once its systems are optimised it will anonymise and destroy users’ biometric data, but are yet to provide clarity regarding when this will happen, and have given no indication as to how the data is safely and securely stored.” Read More ChatGPT creator launches bitcoin rival that scans people’s eyeballs

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 20, 2023--

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Apple is set to launch three new accessibility functions to enable greater usability for people with disabilities. The Assistive Access, Personal Voice and Point and Speak functions will be operational later this year, the company announced earlier this week. Other features to help deaf or hard-of-hearing users and those with low vision across Apple products including Macs and iPads are also being introduced. Guide dogs are dedicated to enhancing our service delivery and empowering our service users to embrace the opportunities that technology offers, enabling them to live life on their own terms Tommy Dean, Guide Dogs It comes as the company welcomed several guide dogs from the charity Guide Dogs to its store in Birmingham as part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday. The Point and Speak function allows those who are blind or have vision issues to point a camera at text and hear back what can be seen, helping people to navigate their visual environment. Tommy Dean, Guide Dogs technology development lead at Apple, said: “In today’s digitally driven world, Apple devices offer users with vision impairments the freedom to live life on their own terms. Technology is a part of our everyday lives and plays such an important role in making the world a much more accessible place Siobhan Meade, Guide Dogs “With inclusive design and comprehensive training, these devices become essential tools for independence. “Guide dogs are dedicated to enhancing our service delivery and empowering our service users to embrace the opportunities that technology offers, enabling them to live life on their own terms.” As part of the launch, Apple gave 85 vision rehabilitation specialists from Guide Dogs specialised training in iOS accessibility settings and features for individuals with vision loss in March. Siobhan Meade, digital technology content officer at Guide Dogs, said: “Technology is a part of our everyday lives and plays such an important role in making the world a much more accessible place. “I use the Maps app daily to navigate the world through my fingertips along with my guide dog Marty. “It’s great to be able to mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day with the training with Apple that will allow our specialists to continue supporting people with a vision impairment to use technology with confidence to live the life they choose.” The Assistive Access feature helps to distil apps including Camera, Photos, Music, Calls and Messages to their essential features, so as to lighten the cognitive load and help users with cognitive disabilities. Users will be able to use high-contrast buttons and large text labels, or emoji-only keyboards for people who prefer to communicate visually. The Live Speech function will allow users to type what they want to say so that it can be spoken out loud during phone conversations, to help those who are losing or have lost their speech. The Personal Voice feature also allows those who are losing their speech to keep a voice that sounds like them, made by recording 15 minutes of audio on an iPhone or iPad. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Self-driving cars will cause ‘moral panic’ – transport minister Cryptocurrency trading should be regulated as gambling, says treasury committee WhatsApp offers new password protected feature to hide messages

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